It can be frustrating when WhatsApp repeatedly asks you to verify your account with a six-digit code. This usually happens if you are trying to register your number with WhatsApp for the first time or if you are trying to re-verify your account after being logged out. There are a few potential reasons why WhatsApp may keep asking for the verification code.
Possible Reasons
- You are entering the wrong verification code
- Your phone number changed recently
- You switched SIM cards
- Your phone was stolen/lost
- You are using WhatsApp on a new device
- Your WhatsApp account was banned
- There are issues with your network connection
Let’s explore each of these possibilities in more detail.
You Are Entering the Wrong Verification Code
One of the most common reasons Why WhatsApp keeps asking for the verification code is because you are entering the wrong code.
Here are some tips to avoid entering the wrong code:
- Double check that you are entering the exact 6-digit code sent to you via SMS
- Make sure there are no typos or errors when inputting the digits
- Do not try to guess or make up a code – only use the one sent to your phone
- If you are copy/pasting the code, check for any extra spaces or characters
- Be sure the code is entered within the valid time limit before it expires
- If you have poor eyesight, use your phone’s magnification to clearly see each digit
Verification codes are time-sensitive and will expire after a few minutes if not used. If you take too long to input the code or enter it incorrectly, WhatsApp will send a new one and ask you to verify again. Going slowly, double-checking, and paying close attention to accuracy can help avoid problems.
Your Phone Number Changed Recently
If you recently got a new phone number, then WhatsApp may not recognize your device when you try to verify. This triggers the repeated request for verification codes as WhatsApp tries confirming your identity.
Here is what you can do if your number changed:
- Update your phone number in WhatsApp’s settings
- Re-verify your account with the new number
- Use SMS/text messages instead of calls for verification codes
- Contact your network carrier to associate your SIM with the new number
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to freshly register your account
- Log out then back in to WhatsApp to refresh its connection
Essentially, you need to match your new phone number with your WhatsApp account. This may take a few tries and some patience as WhatsApp syncs your info with their servers.
You Switched SIM Cards
Switching your SIM card can also cause WhatsApp verification problems if not done properly. This includes transferring your SIM to a new phone or swapping between SIM cards on a dual-SIM device.
Here are some tips for changing SIM cards smoothly:
- Update your phone number in WhatsApp before making the switch
- Use SMS text messages for verification instead of calls
- Make sure your old SIM still functions in your old phone during the transition
- Turn on flight mode before swapping SIMs to avoid network conflicts
- Disable dual-SIM if your phone has two SIM slots before changing cards
- Contact your network carrier to link your WhatsApp account username to the new SIM
The key is properly migrating your WhatsApp account to the new SIM card. As long as your phone number stays the same during the swap, it should just take a quick re-verification without too many code requests.
Your Phone Was Stolen/Lost
Having your phone lost, stolen, or damaged can cause WhatsApp verification problems. Without access to the associated phone number, WhatsApp’s verification texts and calls cannot reach you.
If your phone was stolen/lost, here are some tips:
- Use WhatsApp’s web portal on a computer to log in and verify
- Borrow a friend’s mobile device to receive verification codes
- Contact your network carrier to suspend service on the lost phone number
- Get your number transferred to a new SIM card then re-verify WhatsApp
- Restore your account from a recent backup once you get a new phone
- Use WhatsApp’s email support to confirm your identity and regain access
The key is regaining access to your account and the phone number associated with it. This may require help from your network carrier or WhatsApp to migrate your name to a new SIM.
You Are Using WhatsApp on a New Device
When you switch devices, WhatsApp can sometimes get confused and repeatedly request verification. This often happens when moving your WhatsApp account from one phone to another.
Here are some tips for smooth device switching:
- Make sure to have the latest WhatsApp version installed
- Use a stable WiFi or mobile data connection during setup on the new phone
- If transferring your SIM card, turn on flight mode during the swap
- Log out from your old device before installing WhatsApp on your new phone
- Scan the QR code or use the 6-digit PIN during setup on the new device
- Avoid making or taking WhatsApp calls right after device switching
The main thing is properly migrating your account and transferring your number, whether through a physical SIM swap or the built-in WhatsApp tools. Taking it slow and steady should avoid verification issues.
Your WhatsApp Account Was Banned
In some cases, your WhatsApp account may get banned due to violations of their terms and policies. Reasons for a ban include:
- Spamming/mass messaging
- Impersonating others
- Using unauthorized 3rd party apps
- Spreading misinformation or fake news
- Threatening/harassing others
If your account was banned, here are some tips:
- Appeal the ban and explain your situation to WhatsApp
- Use a different phone number and device to create a new account
- Clear your device cache and uninstall/reinstall the app
- Only verify your new account with WiFi instead of mobile data
- Carefully follow WhatsApp’s terms to avoid getting banned again
Banned accounts usually cannot verify successfully. Your only options are appealing to WhatsApp support or creating a brand new account carefully.
There Are Issues With Your Network Connection
Problems with your mobile network can also lead to WhatsApp repeatedly asking for verification. Common connection issues include:
- Poor cellular signal in your area
- SIM card not properly seated in the device
- Outdated carrier settings on your phone
- Cell tower maintenance or outages in your region
- WiFi instability, congestion, or disconnections
Here are some tips for troubleshooting network issues:
- Move to an area with better signal and restart WhatsApp
- Remove and reinsert your SIM card then reboot your phone
- Contact your carrier to refresh your connection settings
- Try toggling between WiFi and mobile data
- Clear app cache and force stop WhatsApp before re-verifying
Stable connectivity is crucial for WhatsApp to work properly. Check for any carrier maintenance in your zone disrupting service. Switching between WiFi and mobile data can also help.
How to Stop WhatsApp Repeatedly Asking for Verification Code
Based on the potential reasons above, here are general tips to stop WhatsApp repeatedly asking for verification:
- Carefully enter the correct 6-digit code within the time limit
- If you changed numbers, update your phone number in WhatsApp’s settings
- When switching SIMs, contact your carrier to transfer service smoothly
- Use WhatsApp’s built-in tools to migrate your account to a new device
- Check your network strength and switch between WiFi/mobile data
- Update to the latest WhatsApp version in case of bugs with older versions
- Turn your phone off and back on to reset the WhatsApp connection
- Log out then log back into WhatsApp to refresh your login status
- Clear app cache and data before re-verifying your number
With patience and systematically going through activation, you should be able to verify your account successfully. Make sure to read any error messages WhatsApp displays explaining what went wrong. Their support team can also further assist you if issues persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is WhatsApp asking for verification code even though I have verified my number?
WhatsApp asking for verification again even after verifying usually means your activation session expired, you switched devices, or you reinstalled the app. Logging out then logging back in can refresh your verification status. Also make sure you have stable internet and have entered the latest 6-digit code correctly.
How can I verify WhatsApp without a phone number?
Unfortunately WhatsApp requires a valid mobile phone number to create an account and verify. There is no way to use WhatsApp without a phone number during signup. You have to receive either SMS or automated call containing the verification code.
I keep getting different verification codes, what should I do?
If WhatsApp sends you new verification codes instead of accepting the previous one, this typically means you are taking too long to enter it or your network connection is unstable. Try typing in the code faster before it expires and make sure you have strong mobile data or WiFi signal. Also attempt toggling between WiFi and mobile data.
Can someone else be trying to verify my number on WhatsApp?
It’s unlikely, but possible someone else could be trying to register your number on WhatsApp if they have access to your SIM card. Always keep your SIM secure and look for any unknown devices linked to your mobile account. You can contact your carrier to check recent verification attempts on your number as well.
I keep getting sent to voicemail when WhatsApp calls for verification. What should I do?
If WhatsApp calls go to voicemail during verification, it means your phone is not able to receive calls, either due to network issues or your phone being off/unavailable. Make sure your phone is switched on and has cellular signal. You can also disable voicemail and try using SMS text verification instead. Check that your phone plan minutes are not depleted as well causing calls to go unanswered.
Conclusion
WhatsApp repeatedly asking for verification can be annoying, but is usually fixable. The most common solutions are entering the latest code correctly, updating your number if it changed, migrating your account after getting a new phone, and troubleshooting any network connection problems. As long as you methodically walk through the activation steps, you should be able to successfully verify within a few tries. Make sure to have WhatsApp’s latest version installed and contact their support if issues continue. With some patience, you’ll have your WhatsApp account up and running smoothly.